By Paul V.

Singled Out

Clear Static -- Make-up Sex -- Maverick

Leave it to Madge and co. to discover some flamboyant mascara-smeared, glammed-out Hollywood boys who know a thing or two about crafting a new wave hit. Hell, they've already appeared with Duran Duran! So go fight with your partner while it's playing, then bang 'em afterwards. Check out the Mt. Sims and DJ Monk remixes too.

St. Etienne -- Tales From Turnpike House -- Sanctuary

Fifteen years into their colorful career, you'd think St. Etienne would've run out of steam by now. On the contrary, it looks like this terrific trio has discovered some kind of wonderfully new and inspiring muse. Probably the most Brit-centric collection since Blur's Parklife, this concept disc revolves around the goings-on in a suburban London high-rise, weaving charming and vivid tales like a rustic soundtrack from a late '60s documentary. The album opens with the breezily optimistic, signature sounding "Side Street" and "Sun In My Morning" -- an acoustic strum that woozily blossoms with winsome harmonies and a light flute solo -- and the electro-percolating "Milk Bottle Symphony." Meanwhile, "Lightning Strikes Twice" and "Oh My" feel brand new for the group -- two almost Kylie-esque dark dance tracks, with the latter name-checking everyone from Brad Pitt to Stevie Nicks to Josie & The Pussycats. Similarly, "Last Orders For Gary Stead" is the sound of a gritty guitar line and breezy melody grabbing a pint at the local pub. Musically, their creative palette is a mix of gentle disco synthpop and exquisitely crafted arrangements that frequently recall a Brian Wilson-esque influence, most fully realized on "Goodnight" and the instrumental "The Birdman of EC1." This is clearly an A+ comeback for the group, and as angelic vocalist Sarah Cracknell opines "This is something that you're waiting for" on the luscious "Teenage Winter," by disc's end, that's an understatement. Mark your calendar for this arriving in early January.

Lisa Shaw -- Cherry -- Naked Music

If you buy CDs on a certain record label because of their good track record, then Naked Music should be high on your list. And their latest release is no exception. This long-time Naked Music alum and collaborator with Miguel Migs, Blue Six, Aquanote, and Jay Denes, has been making the rounds as the voice of deep house since the '90s. It's only now we finally get treated to a proper debut release, and it was worth the wait. Cherry is a sultry and soothing album that's meant to be inhaled and savored for its heady flavor, and Shaw proves her stirring vocals work breathlessly on both the dancier tracks and the mood tracks. Each song shifts into a sundry of styles, from the energetic break-beat of the title track, to the slow-burn headiness of "Matter Of Time" and "Dim Light," to the disc's standout track "Grown Apart," a beautiful marriage of smooth as a baby's bottom beats and an infectious vocal melody. Lest we forget, the classic track that put Shaw on the map -- "Always" -- is here in its original version. Her smooth vocals and romantic lyrics will enchant, and take note that this is not a blatant dance record -- that's what remixes are for. Shaw pulses rather than thumps, making for a breezy, more laid-back take on bohemian soul, diva-pop, and sweet tooth light house, sans the cliché and studio tricks. Call it candle-lit gorgeousness.

Floetry Flo -- Ology -- Geffen

Floetry, the UK duo made up of "songstress" Marsha Ambrosius and "floacist" Natalie Stewart, are back with their sophomore studio album. Showing off the writing skills that landed them spots collaborating with artists such as Jill Scott, Bilal, and Michael Jackson, the ladies have created another album filled with their own brand of smooth, sexy, nu-soul R&B. Floetry's varied combination of singing and spoken word makes them stand out among the overcrowded pack of similar artists. They've taken the style they introduced to the world on Floetic and continued to hone it, slightly more maturely, here. "Supastar," the first single, has a light, fun feel to it and features Common. "Closer" glides breathily over a funkafied groove, showcasing Stewart's flow as an MC. The highlight is the Scott Storch-produced "My Apology," a thick 'n -- chunky stomper that intersperses the duo's spoken word and singing style to appealing effect (think Kelis meets Alicia Keys). "Lay Down" is a nice slow jam complete with strings and great production, and "Sometimes U Make Me Smile" is another lush standout that takes its time growing into its skin (it's over six minutes long). And "Feelings" goes for a jazzy, stripped down vibe with some bare essentials -- light piano playing and a few string flourishes. If you're looking for something set apart from the glut of hip-hop tinged R&B wannabe divas or oversexed male hip-hopers, Flo'Ology will indeed flow nicely in your CD deck.

Catch Paul V. spinning tunes in Silver Lake: "MegaMonday" at MJ -- s, Dragstrip 66 (second Saturday each month at 1160 Vermont Ave.), Spit (third Saturday each month at Faultline), and "Milkshake" Thursday nights at MJ -- s. Tune in for his "Smash Mix" on Indie 103.1 FM on Fridays at 5:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.dragstrip66.com.